MANCHESTER – The township has long had the privilege of honoring its veteran population by way of lasting tributes. Recently, by way of the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Committee, in conjunction with Manchester Township High School, a dedication was made of the first Hometown Hero Banners.
The dedication took place at Manchester Township High School (MTHS) and now the banners adorn the entrance to MTHS and will serve to honor the community’s Hometown Heroes who are veterans and graduates of MTHS.
Manchester’s school district, township, and community gathered together at MTHS around family and friends to honor the lives and legacies of five extraordinary individuals who now have banners dedicated to their legacy at Manchester Township High School: Cpl. Nicholas Ott, Sgt. Ronald Kubik, Private First Class Matthew Zegan, Sgt. Joseph Pushkal, and Julius Bee.
Ott and Kubik were both members of the Class of 2006. Ott served in the United States Marine Corps, and Kubik served in the U.S. Army Rangers. Pushkal, class of 1994, and Zegan, Class of 1991, each served in the United States Army.
Julius Bee, affectionately known as “Mr. B,” served in the United States Air Force and dedicated decades of his life as a bus driver in the district, where everybody knew his name.
“Manchester Township cherishes the important tradition of remembrance and respect,” Superintendent Diane Pedroza said during her address.
“These banners are public and permanent, and a way we honor, remember, and never forget,” Mayor Joseph Hankins told the audience.
“We honor the fallen not just in our words but in the ways, we train, honor, and serve,” First Sergeant Luis Martinez, Joint Base McGuire-Dix remarked representing New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.
Each banner displays the photo of a veteran, as well as their name, their rank, their branch of service, and the years they served.
MTHS Principal Dennis Adams reminded all alumni, “once a Hawk, always a Hawk!”
Any interested veterans or families of veterans who are graduates of MTHS and interested in Manchester’s Hometown Hero banner program should contact Township Recreation Director Tracey Lynch at 732-657-8121, ext. 5102.
Each veteran to be honored must be or have been a Manchester-Whiting resident who served in ANY military component, including Coast Guard, National Guard, and Merchant Marine, who is currently serving or was honorably discharged.
The post Hometown Heroes Honored With Personalized Banners appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
